Heart has Ling Xi

Chapter 10 Damn it!

A flurry of terrible fire rushed from the tip of Ling Xi's tail to the top of his head. To hell with your fucking negotiation! He was a singer-songwriter. He’d written several times as many songs as he’d recorded on the albums. Some of them were sold to third parties. During the two worst years of his career when he had the lowest exposure, he had worked as a "Singer-songwriter" gunman[1] to earn money...but his circumstances now were Completely! Different!

The song demo hadn’t yet been recorded, and he, the original songwriter, hadn't yet entered the studio, but the song arrangement had mysteriously leaked out. The lead actor’s agent even called to intercept him? It was completely outrageous! Furthermore, this was no ordinary song. It was a song that meant a lot to Ling Xi. It was not only a reflection of his mood at the time, but he also believed it would be the cornerstone of his success. How could he be willing to give in?

Ling Xi used the loudspeaker function to answer the phone. Not only could he hear the other party, but so could Wu Youpeng, who was standing next to him.

Wu Youpeng had been in this business longer than Ling Xi, and he had heard a lot of shady stuff. He paused for a moment to reflect. He was about to speak when he was interrupted by the other agent's next words.

"We have a lot of admiration for you. I believe you must hold this song in high regard. So it should be fine to give this song to someone who is more appropriate for it, right?"

Despite his rage Ling Xi responded with a laugh: "More appropriate? Which aspect is more appropriate?" How could the song he composed for himself be more appropriate for others?

The agent on the other end of the line cracked a dull joke: "The closing song of the TV series should be sung by the hero and the heroine...How can we allow a dog who has only appeared in a few episodes to sing it ah?"

Wu Youpeng's original idea of "saying a few words to refuse humbly" was completely shattered as soon as he uttered such audacious words. He gasped angrily and reached out to grab Ling Xi's phone, wanting to press the hangup button. He felt distressed for the child he had raised. They dared to bully his little calf because their agency was large and reputed--don't even think about it!

Ling Xi was insulted. His face was calm however, as he reached for the phone and followed the other party's words, continuing to ask: "You want cannon fodder to sing my song, right? Not a problem."

"It's Bao Hui!"

"Oh so sorry. I have a lisp[2]." Ling Xi apologized insincerely: "It’s acceptable for cannon fodder to sing the song. But first you must demonstrate your sincerity, correct?"

When the other party heard him speak dramatically, his voice became impatient: "Like I just said, the price is negotiable."

"I don't want money." Ling Xi laid out his terms: "We’re all in the circle. You must have heard that some people are willing to follow the unspoken rules in order to get a good song, right?---Ask cannon fodder to strip and allow me to fuck him once. If he pleases me, I will give him this song. Simple as that!"

Ling Xi simply hung up the phone and added him to the blacklist without waiting for that person to curse him.

Bao Hui and his agent only saw Ling Xi’s obscure and unknown star road, and saw how when spoofed in the show, he could only smile obsequiously in a terrified manner. He reminded them of the dog he portrayed. If he was given a chunk of meat, he could be led away. They didn’t seem to take him seriously… They had forgotten that dogs can bite people.

Ling Xi felt lighter after giving everything he had. He raised his head to look at the ceiling, blinked hard, and then lowered his head again after a while. He looked deeply at the notebooks scattered on the sofa and murmured, embarrassed, "Wu-ge, I've gone against the protagonist like this, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep this job."

Wu Youpeng was the one who had helped him make friends and get along well with others. He had finally succeeded in getting him a good job singing the end-credits song for a popular TV show as well as acting in a minor role. However, everything would be ruined as a result of his momentary rage.

He was a 12th tier little singer who had debuted for many years, while the other party was a young and well-known new actor. At a glance, it was clear who was more important. Even if he was correct, how could anyone in the entertainment industry favor him simply because he was correct?

If given a second chance, Ling Xi would still scold them the same way.

Even if he missed out on this opportunity and was unable to go one step further in the circle in the future, he wouldn’t regret it. It wasn’t that big of a deal. After another two years of stumbling around, he might be able to return home and sell milk tea. Regardless, his startup funds had already been deposited......

When Wu Youpeng noticed him looking downcast, he became very concerned. He quickly went over and patted his shoulder, saying, "This cannot be blamed on you, it’s not your fault. It’s these heinous people who are acting shamelessly! They’re prancing around because they’ve got a great boss. Even if you didn’t scold them, I would have to. Do they think they are a big deal?”

The 12th tier little artist and his agent cursed up a storm behind closed doors. They scolded Bao Hui vehemently. They began by cursing him bluntly in the national style, then progressed to witty sarcasms until the two of them had hollowed out all the inventory in their stomachs... The 12th tier little artist couldn't think of any new words after cursing for a while. His agent on the other hand, was still busy reprimanding: "What is that repulsive idiot brazenly flaunting? Is he going to serve that shit soup with Bibimbap[3] for lunch, spewing shit with that stinky mouth?"

Ling Xi, "......Wu-ge, I’ve known you for a long time. I didn’t expect you to be so full of venomous words in your stomach."

Wu Youpeng, "En, you should be thankful that I have always been very reserved in front of you."

Ling Xi: "..."

Wu Youpeng abruptly stated: "By the way, were you joking or serious when you said you wanted to fuck Bao Hui just now? I am your agent. All issues outlined in the contract should be brought to my attention as soon as possible. If you genuinely like men, you must not come out before the contract expires!"

Ling Xi rolled his eyes: "Even if you ask me to like Zhu Linlin, I won't be able to fuck cannon fodder! Got it?"

After a while of talking and laughing, their resentment simply vanished. During this time, Wu Youpeng's cell phone was nearly blown up by his superiors, and the screenwriter he had contacted with great difficulty also sent him messages on a regular basis. Wu Youpeng understood what they were saying without even looking.

Bao Hui was an upcoming actor who worked for the popular entertainment company "Upstart Entertainment." He was a film academy student who had not yet graduated. He had, however, been involved in the performing arts since his junior year. Because of his attractive appearance and upbeat personality, he quickly became a target of flattery at Upstart Entertainment. His agent filed a complaint to the top, and the company put pressure on Ling Xi's "Yangtian Media" to force him to either hand over his song honestly or leave the crew.

People fight for a breath[4]. If Ling Xi didn't want to hand over the song, there was only one way left in front of him---get out of the crew.

Ling Xi was adamant. Even if he did take a hike, it would be in a moving and tragic style---he was going to cause trouble at the shooting location on the day the crew began filming. Prior to being driven away by staff members, he would play "Blooming Life" on speakers while simultaneously severing all ties with them before turning around and leaving.

Ling Xi found joy in sorrow and laughed as he imagined everyone's dumbfounded expression when the moment arrived. After a brief smile, he returned to his serious demeanor. He sighed quietly and buried his face in the strewn-about scripts and music scores that littered the room.

…

 "Tell me, they are both from the same agency, but why is his character so bad?" Ling Xi snarled, "That cannon fodder, if he was even one tenth the man as An Ruifeng, it would be great!"

Wu Youpeng agreed with a nod: "Yes, An Ruifeng deserves deep friendship. You can see how well he treated you the first time he saw you. That prank show was not his fault. After the recording he apologized and also invited you to dinner. He sent you a special text message on the day the show aired to congratulate you. I've been in the circle for a long time. I've seen a lot of attractive people, as well as a lot of people who act with integrity. However, a star like him who is so attractive and still acts with integrity is extremely rare."

He abruptly came to a halt and hurriedly stated: "That’s right! Ling Xi, how did we forget that you can seek assistance from An Ruifeng? Didn't the director cast him in the lead role in "Jian Jue Tianxia"? He suggested Bao Hui because he had a busy schedule... Why don't you ask An Ruifeng to compliment you a little?"

"How is that even possible?" Ling Xi shook his head: "Do not allow one's own fertile water to flow into the fields of others[5]. He has a full schedule, so their company must be scrambling to capitalize on this opportunity to promote newcomers. Do you believe he has a good relationship with Bao Hui as a result of his recommendation? Perhaps he has no idea who Bao Hui is... Besides, I've only known him for a short time. I don't think I'll be able to persuade Upstart Entertainment's hot idol to intercede for me."

Wu Youpeng persuaded him: "Just give it a shot. Stupid! Will you simply give up on your dreams?"

After Wu Youpeng's repeated persuasion, Ling Xi finally picked up the phone and dialed An Ruifeng. They had exchanged contact numbers for quite a while, but aside from the occasional text, they’d never made a phone call. This could be considered as the first time.

Ling Xi activated the loudspeaker function because Wu Youpeng was by his side.

The two people then heard Ling Xi's "Zero" caller tune coming from the speaker at the same time...

Ling Xi: =口=

Wu Youpeng said confidently: "Now I think the possibility of success is very high!"

The phone rang for a while before the call was connected. Ling Xi was forced to listen to his own singing just now and felt a little embarrassed. He had been on the line for five seconds and had yet to respond.

"Ling Xi? I apologize for not hearing the phone because I was in the shower at the time." In the background, the sound of the bathroom sliding door could be heard.

"Never mind, it’s nothing. Oh no! There is something!" Ling Xi scratched his head, unsure where to begin. Wu Youpeng desperately winked at him, causing him to dither for a second before stammering, "Um..It's...It’s like this...I finished writing the ending song of "Jian Jue Tianxia" a few days ago. The lyrics and music are ready. I’m feeling pretty good."

"Congratulations. I’m sure it’s a fantastic song."

"Yes, it is truly outstanding." Ling Xi accepted the compliment calmly: "I also sent it to the director and screenwriter, who were both very satisfied. The composer is finalizing the song... But I’m not sure what’s going on because the demo was leaked. Just now, the agent of an actor from "Jian Jue Tianxia" called me, hoping that I would relinquish the right to sing this song."

An Ruifeng said at once: "I guess it's Bao Hui?"

Ling Xi nodded, realized An Ruifeng couldn't see him, and quickly said, "Yes... it's him." Then, in a tiny voice, he added, "His agent and I...had a little quarrel."

The phone erupted in Ruifeng laughter: "I'm afraid it's not so minor, is it?.... However, you are not to blame. Bao Hui recently ignored the company's advice and fired his original agent. He insisted on having one of his relatives act as his agent. That person lacks any semblance of professionalism. He has a big mouth and has offended a lot of people at the agency. The company would not tolerate Bao Hui if it weren't for his potential to rise to the top." In a few words, he explained the cause and effect and soothed the last traces of awkwardness in Ling Xi's heart.

"The issue now is that he asked your company's upper management to put direct pressure on our company. As you are aware, your firm employs more brokers than our company’s employees. To play such a hand directly, he really is a very foolish b... I mean, he’s immoral." Ling Xi choked off again here.

Wu Youpeng stood next to him, desperately mouthing “praise” and “help”.

Ling Xi gritted his teeth and gave up his old face: "I called to ask you, do you have any ideas?" He quickly added: "Of course, I’m only asking. I’m not going to ask you to assist me! I’m just asking in passing..."

"I understand." While listening, An Ruifeng sat on the sofa: "Let me think about it."

"Oh. Then I'll call you later..." Ling Xi wasn’t optimistic about the situation. After all, An Ruifeng did not own the agency. Because of their personal relationship, how could he press Bao Hui to death like a fly?

"Don't hang up, it's fine like this." An Ruifeng said.

After finishing the last sentence, An Ruifeng didn't respond for a long time. Ling Xi was wondering if the other party was asleep. However, the rhythmic sound of fingers tapping on a table from the speaker proved that An Ruifeng was thinking.

Ling Xi was really going to die from guilt... He had caused so much trouble for his friend for his own reasons. He was truly sorry.

After a few minutes crawled by, An Ruifeng finally spoke up, "How about this..."

"Yes?!" Ling Xi nodded desperately, "I am listening!"

"If it’s alright with you, I hope you can turn this song into a duet for the two of us, or take it a step further, and you can just give it to me."

"...What?"

An Ruifeng's gentle voice coaxed from the speaker: "The price is negotiable."

Footnotes:

[1] A person who produces a piece of work for somebody else to pass off as their own.

[2] Cannon fodder is pao hui. The actor’s name is Bao hui. 

[3] A Korean rice dish.

[4] It is the first half of the saying “People fight for a breath, Buddha fights for a stick of incense”. The meaning is: one must have self-respect and ambition, and not lose dignity.

[5] Proverb: Keep the goodies within the family.